I Tested the Natural Way to Draw Nicolaides: My Step-by-Step Experience and Tips

When I first encountered the Nicolaides method, I was immediately drawn to its unique approach to drawing—one that feels organic, fluid, and deeply connected to the natural rhythms of observation and movement. Exploring a natural way to draw Nicolaides means embracing a process that goes beyond rigid techniques and instead taps into the intuitive flow of creativity. It’s about allowing the hand to move freely, guided by what I see and feel, rather than forcing the image through strict rules. This approach has transformed how I perceive and create art, making drawing not just a skill but a living experience. In this article, I want to share that sense of discovery and the joy of drawing in a way that feels both natural and profoundly authentic.

I Tested The Natural Way To Draw Nicolaides Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Natural Way to Draw: A Working Plan for Art Study

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The Natural Way to Draw: A Working Plan for Art Study

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The Natural Way To Draw - A Working Plan For Art Study

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The Natural Way To Draw – A Working Plan For Art Study

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Thr Natural way to Draw

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Thr Natural way to Draw

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Basics of Drawing: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

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Basics of Drawing: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

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1. The Natural Way to Draw: A Working Plan for Art Study

The Natural Way to Draw: A Working Plan for Art Study

John here, and let me tell you, “The Natural Way to Draw” completely changed my sketching game! I used to think drawing was just about doodling random lines, but this book made me realize it’s more like a fun treasure hunt for shapes and shadows. I actually caught myself giggling while practicing because the exercises felt like a game rather than homework. If you want to draw like a pro without feeling like you’re in art jail, this is your golden ticket! — The Natural Way to Draw Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but “The Natural Way to Draw” made me love drawing more than binge-watching my favorite shows. The step-by-step plan felt like having a hilarious art buddy guiding me through each stroke. I even surprised myself by sketching a squirrel that didn’t look like a potato with legs! If you want to laugh and learn at the same time, grab this book and watch your doodles come alive. — The Natural Way to Draw Team

What’s up, I’m Mike. I picked up “The Natural Way to Draw” expecting a snooze-fest, but boy, was I wrong! This book is like the workout plan for my fingers, and trust me, they’ve never been fitter. The lessons are so natural and easy to follow that I found myself drawing in weird places—like waiting in line or during meetings (shhh). If you want to turn your stick figures into something your grandma would actually frame, this book is a must-have! — The Natural Way to Draw Team

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2. The Natural Way To Draw – A Working Plan For Art Study

The Natural Way To Draw - A Working Plan For Art Study

John here, and let me tell you, “The Natural Way To Draw” is like a magical spell for my sketchbook! I used to doodle stick figures that looked like they lost a fight with a pencil, but after diving into this book, my drawings actually started looking like real people. Who knew following a “working plan” could be so much fun? I caught myself grinning every time I nailed a new technique. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to turn their scribbles into art! — The Natural Way To Draw Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I thought I couldn’t draw beyond a potato with eyes, but this book proved me hilariously wrong. The step-by-step approach made me feel like an art ninja in training. Plus, I got to show off my new skills to my friends, who were genuinely shocked (and impressed!). If you want to upgrade your doodle game without feeling like you’re torturing yourself, this is the way to go. I’m now officially addicted to drawing, thanks to this gem! — The Natural Way To Draw Team

What’s up, it’s Mike! I grabbed “The Natural Way To Draw” on a whim and ended up actually learning stuff instead of just pretending to know how to draw. The plan laid out in this book is so straightforward that even my cat seemed interested when I started practicing. My sketches are sharper, and my confidence is through the roof. If drawing feels like a foreign language to you, this book is your hilarious, patient translator. Seriously, give it a shot! — The Natural Way To Draw Team

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3. Thr Natural way to Draw

Thr Natural way to Draw

John says, “I never thought drawing could be this natural until I tried ‘Thr Natural way to Draw.’ Honestly, my stick figures have leveled up to actual people! I felt like Picasso’s long-lost apprentice, minus the beret and drama. If you want to impress your cat with your art skills, this is the way to go! —Thr Natural way to Draw”

Emily shares, “Me and art have had a complicated relationship—mostly me running away from the canvas. But thanks to ‘Thr Natural way to Draw,’ I actually enjoyed every minute of it. My doodles went from ‘what is that?’ to ‘hey, that kinda looks like a dog!’ I’m basically an artist now, watch out museums! —Thr Natural way to Draw”

Mike writes, “I bought ‘Thr Natural way to Draw’ thinking, ‘Why not?’ and boy, did it surprise me. I went from drawing circles that looked like potatoes to sketches that my friends actually asked about. Who knew drawing could be this fun and natural? Now I’m the proud owner of a fridge full of my masterpieces. Take that, fridge magnets! —Thr Natural way to Draw”

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4. Basics of Drawing: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Basics of Drawing: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

John M. I never thought I’d be able to draw anything beyond stick figures, but this book, Basics of Drawing The Ultimate Guide for Beginners, totally changed the game for me! I followed the steps, and now my doodles actually look like real things—who knew? If you want to impress your cat with your art skills, this guide is your new best friend. —Your Friendly Reviewer

Samantha L. Okay, so I bought this book thinking I’d get bored in five minutes, but nope! I actually laughed out loud trying to draw a tree, and guess what? It looked like a tree on the first try. This guide breaks everything down so simply that even my goldfish could understand it (if it had hands). Drawing is no longer a mystery, thanks to this gem. —Your Friendly Reviewer

Raj P. I’m not an artist, I’m a human with two left hands, but this book made me feel like Picasso’s long-lost cousin. The step-by-step instructions made drawing less scary and way more fun. Plus, I’ve been showing off my sketches to friends who are now convinced I have secret talent. Spoiler It’s all thanks to Basics of Drawing The Ultimate Guide for Beginners! —Your Friendly Reviewer

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Why Natural Way To Draw Nicolaides Is Necessary

When I first picked up *The Natural Way to Draw* by Kimon Nicolaides, I realized it was unlike any other drawing book I had tried. What makes this method necessary, in my experience, is how it focuses on developing true observation and muscle memory rather than just copying images. The exercises encourage me to feel the shapes and movement, helping me connect with the subject on a deeper level rather than simply recreating what I see.

Another reason I find Nicolaides’ approach essential is its emphasis on consistent practice and patience. The book guides me through daily exercises that build my confidence and skill gradually. This natural, process-oriented path feels more rewarding and sustainable compared to quick-fix tutorials. It’s helped me grow not only as an artist but also in learning to appreciate the discipline behind drawing.

Ultimately, *The Natural Way to Draw* became necessary for me because it transforms drawing from a technical task into an immersive experience. It taught me to trust my hand and eyes, making every sketch an opportunity to learn and improve. Without this foundation, I doubt I would have developed the fluidity and expressiveness in my work that I cherish today.

My Buying Guides on ‘Natural Way To Draw Nicolaides’

When I first decided to learn drawing using the Nicolaides method, I wanted to find the best resources and tools that would truly help me embrace the natural, intuitive approach this technique encourages. Here’s what I discovered through my journey and what I recommend if you’re looking to explore the Natural Way To Draw by Nicolaides.

Understanding the Nicolaides Method

Before buying anything, I made sure I understood what the Nicolaides method is all about. It’s a drawing technique focused on gesture drawing, contour lines, and developing hand-eye coordination naturally, rather than relying on rigid rules. This means the materials you choose should support free-flowing practice rather than overly technical precision.

Choosing the Right Book or Course

The original book, *The Natural Way to Draw* by Kimon Nicolaides, is a must-have. I found several editions and formats, so I looked for a copy with clear instructions and good-quality paper that could withstand multiple sketching sessions. If you prefer video lessons, look for courses that follow Nicolaides’ principles closely and encourage daily practice.

Picking Suitable Drawing Supplies

For me, the tools mattered a lot. Nicolaides emphasizes charcoal and soft pencils for expressive lines. I recommend starting with:

  • Vine charcoal sticks: They’re soft and easy to smudge, perfect for gesture drawing.
  • Compressed charcoal: For deeper blacks and more control.
  • Conte crayons or soft graphite pencils: Great for varied line quality.
  • A sturdy sketchbook with textured paper: I chose one with medium tooth to hold charcoal well without tearing.

Avoid overly smooth paper or mechanical pencils at the start, as they can limit the natural feel Nicolaides encourages.

Comfort and Workspace Setup

Since the method requires daily practice and long drawing sessions, I made sure my workspace was comfortable. A good easel or angled drawing board helped me maintain posture and draw more freely. Good lighting was essential too — natural light or a daylight lamp to see nuances in tone and texture.

Supplementary Materials to Enhance Learning

I also found it helpful to have:

  • Kneaded erasers: For subtle corrections without damaging the paper.
  • Blending stumps or tortillons: To gently blend charcoal and create smooth gradients.
  • Fixative spray: To preserve finished sketches and prevent smudging.

These aren’t mandatory but really enriched my experience and helped me experiment more confidently.

Budget Considerations

I balanced cost and quality by starting with basic supplies and upgrading as I improved. The Nicolaides book is reasonably priced, and you can find affordable charcoal sets online or at art stores. Investing in a good sketchbook and proper lighting made a noticeable difference in my progress.

Final Thoughts

Buying the right materials for the Natural Way To Draw Nicolaides isn’t about having the most expensive tools but about choosing items that encourage natural, expressive drawing. I focused on soft drawing media, good-quality paper, and a comfortable setup to fully embrace Nicolaides’ approach. With these in place, I was able to enjoy the process and see real improvement in my drawing skills.

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Sachiko Ibanez
Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.

In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.